Wilna “Mer” Achen, 87, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, February 11, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.

She was born on February 27, 1933 in Tularosa (Otero County), New Mexico to the late Willard Griffin and Nina (Buie) Griffin. She was married to John Riley (Johnny) Achen for over 22 years.

Ms. Achen worked for various entities in Artesia, New Mexico during her early years, amongst them being Foundation Investment Company, Bob Ferguson Insurance Agency, Fenn’s Grocery Store, Artesia Credit Union and lastly Central Valley Electric Cooperative, as a Dispatcher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. In 2013, at the age of 80, she felt the need of her family in Lubbock and moved to be closer to family and to care for her beloved great-grandchildren. “Mer” as she was known by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends loved cooking, Bible study, puzzles, animals and playing games with her great grandchildren. Participating in all of their activities was her greatest joy. She loved the mountains and planning family and church events of all kinds. Cooking and serving others was her ministry and her legacy.

Ms. Achen was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Artesia, where she taught youth for many years. She was a member of Victory Life Baptist Church during her time in Lubbock. She wanted everyone to know Jesus, and her life was a witness to all who knew her. She was a Founding Board Member of Meals on Wheels in Artesia.

Surviving Ms. Achen is one daughter, LuAnn Beardemphl and her husband Ken, of Lubbock; two sisters, Lou Frost of Roswell, New Mexico and Betty (Burel) Carney of Tempe, Arizona; two grandchildren, Clay (Haley) and Cord (Monica) Beardemphl of Lubbock; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Collin, Hadley, Harper, Graham, and Keller of Lubbock. She lovingly “raised” a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many other Artesia kids who called her Mom or Mer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother.

Celebration of Life Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 (what would have been her 88th birthday) at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Reverend Mark Simons, Pastor of Jan Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas and Reverend Rick Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Artesia will be the Celebrants for the Memorial Service. Private interment of Ms. Achen’s cremains will be at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.

In remembrance of Wilna “Mer” Achen, the family requests memorial donations to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home (2200 S. Avenue I, Portales NM 88130), First Baptist Church of Artesia (322 W. Grand, Artesia, NM 88210), or Artesia MainStreet (P.O. Box 1635, Artesia NM 88210)